The State Duma has accepted for review bill #418806-5 “On Introducing Changes to Separate Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation,” which provides for “creating favorable home environments” for foreign specialists in Russia.

Recent discussions have brought up questions on how to avoid having to pay high amounts of taxes and dues when providing employees with vacation. The ratification of the International Labor Organization’s Convention 132 “On Paid Vacation” (Federal Law #139-FZ dated 07.01.2010) has generated particular interest.

Prime Minister Vladimir Putin announced a ban on wheat and grain exports outside of Russia at a recent government presidium meeting. Although the country has sufficient reserves, Putin believes that agricultural producers’ exports may raise prices in the domestic market.

In Russia, a method to resolve disputes between banks and customers without having to bring such cases to court may soon be in place. This would allow conflicts to be resolved much faster and with less cost to both parties involved. The arbitration would be impartial and free for the claimants.

Failing to pay taxes, especially if the unpaid amount is large enough, could demand a criminal investigation. Police usually find out about such tax evasion via the tax authorities, who are required to hand over any applicable materials to them in such situations. The Federal Tax Service outlines what actions should be undertaken after these materials are submitted to the police for investigation in Letter #SHT-22-2/174@, dated 03-11-10.

The Ministry of Finance has stated in a letter that its letters are of value only to those whom they directly address. Such letters are issued in response to specific questions posed by specific tax payers.

At the end of 2009, legislation was passed loosening restrictions on debt restructuring in a company’s charter capital. More specifically, as of 2010, company shareholders or third parties can make monetary claims on the charter capital of an OOO. This decision must be passed by all company shareholders unanimously. Likewise, additional shares of a joint-stock company (AO) may be paid with claims if those shares are sold in a private offering.